PRICING AND MODEL INFORMATION HAS BEEN RELEASED FOR THE ALL NEW MITSUBISHI MQ TRITON RANGE

Mitsubishi Motors has launched its new generation 2016 MQ Triton range today with sales set to kick-off at the start of May.

Mitsubishi claim that it has developed its most comfortable and family friendly light commercial yet. Passenger car comfort and quietness were priorities during the MQ’s development and are reflected in Triton’s comprehensive NVH package and all-new interior and seats.

The MQ Triton has also managed to score itself a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

“Mitsubishi’s fifth-generation Triton has made significant advances in every area and represents a big leap forward in the light commercial segment.

“New Triton is more refined and car-like, and still retains the trademark strength, durability and reliability that Triton has built its reputation on in Australia,” said Mitsubishi Motors Australia Executive Director of Marketing Tony Principe

There are three different body styles, Double Cab, Club Cab and Single Cab. The new Triton retains a 3-metre wheelbase and class-leading 11.8 metre turning circle. Steering effort has been improved with a reduction in the number of turns from lock to lock, which makes the MQ more maneuverable than other light commercials.

Powering the MQ range is a new 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo diesel engine, which has more power and torque than the engine it replaces. Peak power has increased to 133kW at 3500 rpm, while torque is boosted to 430Nm at 2500 rpm across both manual and automatic transmission models.

The new engine is available with either a new 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed auto with Sport Mode.

It’s a little surprising that Mitsubishi hasn’t joined the towing capacity race, with the MQ rated to tow 3100kg (braked), 400kg shy of the main competitors (Hilux aside).

Mitsubishi will offer a Triton GLX Single Cab 2WD with optional 94kW 2.4-litre 4-cylinder multi-point fuel injection petrol engine and five-speed manual transmission approximately six months after the May launch of the diesel models.

SAFETY

Safety has been substantially boosted over the outgoing MN range with higher strength steels being used in the key body structure to efficiently absorb and disperse impacts, while retaining the cabin integrity during a crash.

Passive safety features include driver and front passenger SRS airbags, side and curtain airbags and driver’s knee airbag, while seat belts are fitted with pre-tensioners and force limiters.

Active Stability and Traction Control or ASTC is standard across the 2016 range, along with Mitsubishi’s ESS Emergency Stop Signal function, which flashes the hazard warning lights under heavy braking to alert vehicles approaching from behind.

All models are also fitted with brake override system, which uses sensors to recognise when both accelerator and brake pedals are being pressed at the same time and gives priority to the brake system to prevent accidental acceleration.

A rear view camera is available across the range; as a standard feature on GLS and Exceed and accessory on GLX.

The new 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo diesel engine uses an all-aluminium cylinder block construction and is more efficient, more powerful and more refined than its predecessor.

Fuel economy and emissions have been improved by lowering the compression ratio to 15.5:1 and locating the diesel particulate filter as close to the engine as possible.

A 10 per cent reduction to the rotating inertia of the variable geometry turbo charger helps Triton generate torque at low rpm and provide smooth and responsive torque delivery right through the rev range.

The engine’s torque delivery has been tuned with Australian customers in mind, delivering greater responsiveness, faster torque delivery and significantly improved acceleration feel.

FUEL ECONOMY

The MQ’s fuel economy is amongst the best in its class. The top-spec Exceed Double Cab 4×4 automatic has an official rating of 7.6 l/100km, while GLX Double Cab with manual transmission achieves 7.2 l/100km. The entry level Triton GLX Single Cab diesel 2WD with 6-speed manual just 7.0 l/100km.

INTERIOR

Inside the MQ the interior is more ‘car-like’ than previous generation Tritons. It has a symmetrical and integrated design that flows from the centre of the instrument panel through to the door trim and centre console. The design is complemented by a black and grey two-tone colour scheme with piano black and chrome finishes on the centre console, shifter panel and door switches.

The materials used have been improved resulting in a more upmarket feel throughout.

Triton’s three-spoke steering wheel is finished with a plated three diamond Mitsubishi emblem in the centre and fitted with cruise and steering wheel audio controls.

New front and rear seats with increased cushioning are fitted and the front seats benefit from longer and wider backrests, while side cushioning is boosted to improve support.

The MQ retains the same wheelbase with the wheels moved further rearward. This allows Triton to maintain a best in class approach angle of 30 degrees and a slightly improved rear departure angle of 22 degrees.

The main benefit of these changes is better weight distribution across all four wheels and improved mass distribution under load conditions.

The rear sub frame has been beefed up and the tub is mounted in a way that increases overall torsional strength.

The 2016 Triton chassis is a development of the existing double wishbone front and leaf spring rear suspension chassis configuration, however, it has been significantly revised with new:

Rear shock design

Rear leaf spring – mounting position and length extended by 120mm

Front droplink mounting

Front and rear spring rates and shock rates

Bigger front stabilizer bar

Overall suspension tune

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE CAPABILITY

All Triton GLX models are equipped with the Easy Select 4WD system which is operated via a new four-wheel drive selector dial. Easy Select 4WD allows the driver to switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive on the move.

The system has three operating modes – 2H, 4H and 4L – and the driver can change between 2H and 4H at speeds under 100km/h. Transfer case low-range gearing has also been lowered compared to the MN.